Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors picks, predictions: Who wins NBA Finals Game 1?
The Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors face off on Thursday at Chase Center in San Francisco Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. MST and can be seen on ABC.
Who will win the game?
Check out these odds, picks and predictions for the contest.
The Warriors are a 3.5-point favorite in the game, according to Tipico Sportsbook.
Boston is +133 on the money line and Golden State is -165.
The over/under for the game is set at 211.5 points.
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VOTE: What's your prediction for the #NBAFinals between the #Celtics and #Warriors? #DubNation #BleedGreen (Picks, predictions: https://t.co/9eJjxbwbeS) @azcentral
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Odds Checker: Take the Warriors in Game 1 vs. Celtics
Jason Radowitz writes: "The Warriors have great shooters, which was the one area that let down the Heat against the Celtics. The Heat struggled to score consistent points with their supporting cast. The Warriors likely won't run into that problem, which is why they're dangerous. Both teams are going to create offense with solid passes and both defenses have been pretty elite this season. But in Game 1, I'm going to have to ride with the Warriors at home. The Celtics will make this a series but after a long seven-game series against the Heat, Boston is going to be a bit exhausted. Take the Warriors in Game 1."
Fansided: Go with the over in Game 1 of NBA Finals
Andrew Hughes writes: "Boston matches up well against the Warriors as a strong defensive team on the perimeter. Marcus Smart will have his hands full with Steph Curry and owns a golden opportunity to solidify his status as the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year. Still, stealing Game 1 on Golden State’s home-floor is a challenge the Houdini has no interest in forecasting. After a low-scoring Heat series, expect fireworks for the NBA Finals’ opening contest."
Betsided: Take the Celtics with the points vs. Warriors in Game 1
Peter Dewey writes: "If Robert Williams is healthy, I’m interested to see how Boston decides to play the Warriors as the Celtics clearly have more size in their rotation. If Boston tries to control the interior, it could make things tough on the Warriors, who don’t have a true inside scoring presence. I’ll lean with Boston in Game 1 in what should be a great series."
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Sportsnaut: Go with the Warriors in Game 1 vs. Celtics
Vincent Frank writes: "Something will have to give here. With the Warriors having six days of rest, they could either come out on fire or cold. It’s going to be one or the other. We’re predicting the latter. Couple that with Boston’s elite-level defense and the Eastern Conference champs will have an opportunity to steal home-court in the 2022 NBA Finals. Our bold prediction is that Boston finds itself up three late in the game and decides not to foul. Instead, Klay Thompson forces overtime with a trey — leading to a dramatic Warriors home win in Game 1 of the NBA Finals."
ESPN: Celtics have a 60.3% chance to win the game
The site's Basketball Power Index gives the Warriors a 39.7% chance to win the game.
FiveThirtyEight: Celtics have a 53% win probability
The site gives the Warriors a 47% win probability in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors NBA Finals Game 1 picks, odds
